Leadership & Management For The Not-For-Profit Sector Certificate
This certificate will be last offered 2025-2026
Building Stronger Communities Through Leadership
Students will benefit from the real-life experiences of their instructors, some of which who are CEOs, and Directors in the Not-for-Profit sector. Skills are transferable across a broad spectrum within the private and public spheres.
You will gain practical skills that are attractive to future employers. All courses are taught on campus by individuals experienced in the field of study. The courses are used towards your McMaster degree elective requirement.
This is a course based certificate with both full time and part time options. Students must be registered in a Level II or above in a Social Sciences degree program. Not open to continuing students. Contact socscfac@mcmaster.ca for more information.
About The Certificate
Requirements & Timelines
Students can begin working toward the Leadership and Management in the Not-For-Profit Sector Certificate after completing Level I – no formal application or admission process is required. Simply enroll in the six designated courses throughout your degree and declare the certificate when you apply to graduate.
The certificate consists of 18 units (six 3-unit courses), each designed to develop leadership, planning, and communication skills tailored for work in the not-for-profit sector. Courses include:
- SOCSCI 2BR3 – Board and Staff Responsibilities for the Not-for-Profit Sector
- SOCSCI 2HR3 – Human Resources Management for Social Sciences
- SOCSCI 2LC3 – Leadership and Communications for the Not-For-Profit Sector
- SOCSCI 2OP3 – Operational Planning for the Not-For-Profit Sector
- SOCSCI 2RD3 – Resource Development for the Not-For-Profit Sector
- SOCSCI 2SP3 – Strategic and Long Range Planning for the Not-for-Profit Sector
These courses are taught by Mohawk College faculty at McMaster and count as electives toward your undergraduate degree.
Financial Information, Scholarships & Awards Office Of The Registrar Website
McMaster University offers a range of financial aid options to help support students throughout their undergraduate journey. All students accepted for admission are automatically considered for a McMaster entrance award – no separate application required.
In addition to entrance awards, students may be eligible for:
- In-course scholarships based on academic performance
- Bursaries based on financial need
- Government aid programs such as OSAP
- Work Study opportunities for on-campus employment
Each funding option has its own application process and eligibility criteria. Students are encouraged to explore these resources early and stay informed about deadlines.
Academic Support Academic Advising In The Social Sciences
The Academic Advising Office – part of the Office of the Associate Dean – is dedicated to helping Social Sciences undergraduate students thrive academically. Advisors offer personalized guidance to help you navigate your academic path with confidence.
They can assist you with:
- Understanding course requirements and managing course changes
- Selecting, applying to, or switching programs
- Exploring study abroad opportunities
- Evaluating and applying transfer credits
- Filing petitions for missed work, deferred exams, or special consideration
- Navigating appeals procedures
- Connecting with other campus services and supports
Whether you’re planning your next semester or facing an academic challenge, your advisor is here to help you make informed decisions.
Courses
To earn the Not-for-Profit Management Certificate, Social Sciences students must complete six designated courses (18 units total), which count as university electives. The certificate is open to BA or Honours BA students in Level II or above – no application required. Simply complete the courses and declare the certificate at graduation.
Required Courses & Highlights:
- SOCSCI 2BR3 – Board and Staff Responsibilities Explores the structure of nonprofit organizations, the role of mission statements, and the responsibilities of CEOs and Boards. Includes techniques for productive meetings and effective governance.
- SOCSCI 2HR3 – Human Resources Management for Social Sciences Develops practical HR skills through case studies and simulations. Focuses on recruitment, performance management, and organizational behavior. Not open to students with Commerce 2BC3.
- SOCSCI 2LC3 – Leadership and Communications for the Not-for-Profit Sector Examines leadership styles and communication strategies. Students learn team-building, meeting facilitation, and how to form strategic partnerships.
- SOCSCI 2OP3 – Operational Planning for the Not-for-Profit Sector Teaches how to develop and manage annual operating plans, set priorities, allocate resources, and track progress across organizational programs.
- SOCSCI 2RD3 – Resource Development Covers funding strategies including grants, corporate partnerships, and fundraising. Students create resource development plans and assess organizational capacity and ethics.
- SOCSCI 2SP3 – Strategic and Long Range Planning Introduces strategic planning models and environmental analysis. Students learn to align organizational goals with accountability and evaluation frameworks.
Note: These courses are not available to Continuing Students (graduates not pursuing an advanced degree).